Organising your child’s birthday party is very much a double-edged sword. On one side, it’s a special occasion - and it deserves a lot of thought and effort put into it,on the other, it can be an absolute nightmare.
Chaos can sometimes be used to describe parties but it doesn't always have to be that way. There are tips and tricks to help reduce the chaos but at the end of the day all that matters is happy children.
Timing is everything
Choosing the right time of the day can be key to a successful party.
It’s best to hold parties around the same time that most kids eat - so anywhere between 12 and 2 in the afternoon. Early evenings often work, too - but you will have to prepare yourself for many different manifestations of the 'crazy hour' or ‘witching hour’.
It’s that time of the day when the kids have had enough, and whatever you do won’t settle them. It’s enough of a struggle in your own home - let alone hosting a party with lots of other children having major meltdowns. It can be better therefore to stick to midday and early afternoon.
Hand over the reins
In an ideal world, we would all have time to plan the perfect party for our children. Sadly, though, for most families, it’s best to hand over the reins to someone else.
You will still have a lot of work to do, of course - cooking the food, booking a venue and decking it out, for example. When it comes to entertainment and activities, it might be easier for you to let a professional do it instead.
There are plenty of children’s entertainers out there - I've seen a magician, a disco, and bouncy castles in the past month alone. I have also heard good things about the Frozen-themed children's parties from Pickle Pie. Of course, you have to give the kids a big say in what they want to do - but there are options out there for every budget.
The small print
Make sure you are aware of all dietary needs for any children coming to the party. Nuts should be off the menu completely, to be honest, regardless of whether or not someone has an allergy. It is also worth asking about any vegetarians or vegans.
It’s only fair to cater for everyone - yet many people forget. I would also advise that when it comes to sending out your invitations, make it clear whether or not you want the parents to stay. It can also be worth mentioning if siblings are able to attend or if the party area is open to the public also. Families with young children can often struggle to attend a party as they have no alternative child care.
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